Crown Paints provided high performance products to help preserve and protect an historic building, featured on Channel 4’s Restoration Man TV show.

Theatre producer Vanessa Ford Robbins and her partner Nik Huddy have been restoring Longhurst Lodge, a Victorian gate lodge nestled on the boundaries of a country estate in Surrey.

In a programme featuring the transformation project, which was aired last week, (January 10), Restoration Man presenter George Clarke was on hand to help, advise and support the couple during the process.

Before Vanessa and Nik started their labour of love on the project, the Grade II listed property had been derelict for nearly 50 years – and the couple were keen that all products used would keep the building in pristine condition for the future.

As part of the property’s transformation, Crown Paints’ high performance Sandtex Trade masonry paint was used to coat the exterior of the building.

Vanessa said: "We chose Sandtex Trade X-treme X-posure for the exterior of the lodge, after carefully investigating what would work best for the building.

“We wanted to do everything possible to protect the property from local conditions, including the climate and damp.

"Originally we had used a lime wash, but that was very difficult for us to continue with, particularly with issues over the application around the chimney areas.

"As a result, we started to look into alternatives and were impressed by the qualities of X-treme X-posure.

"After checking with our local preservation officer on its suitability, we decided to apply the product - and the end result looks superb.

"We feel Sandtex Trade X-treme X-posure offers the lodge the very best possible protection, particularly the heraldic plaster motifs, which are a very important feature of the building.

"These have been coated with X-treme X-posure to preserve and protect them, and then coloured lime wash has been applied for a decorative finish.

"We had a good deal of help from Crown Paints – including assistance with colour schemes - and we are very grateful to them for the support they gave."

Sharon Smith, Sandtex Trade Brand Manager, said: "We were delighted that our products were used for such a fascinating project, which was shared with many viewers on television."